BC Racebook Newsletter - September 20, 2022
Scott Williams & Steve Henson Lend Support for Apprentice Fraser Aebly
Bailey on the Backstretch
By Bailey Williams
During a visit to the 2021 CTHS-BC Yearling & Mixed Sale, a curious young man was looking for guidance on how to become a jockey. Fortunately for Fraser Aebly, it was when he was first introduced to trainer Steve Henson and rider Scott Williams.
The pair of veterans took one look at the natural size of Fraser, as well as his fitness and likeability, and knew instantly they would like to help develop him as part of the next generation.
Shortly after graduating from high school in January, 2022, Fraser made the move to Vancouver from his hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta. Thus began his journey to obtaining his exercise rider licence, the first step in becoming an apprentice.
After many arena hours aboard retired racehorse Code of Arms, Fraser advanced to galloping an unraced 3-year-old filly at a trainer centre arena. Once ready, the pair hit the track at Murray Creek Farms where on their second day together, the horse unseated her young rider.
Jumping to his feet sporting a big smile and an eagerness to climb back into the saddle, it became clear the 18-year-old Aebly didn’t show any signs of becoming discouraged.
After months at the farm, Henson decided it was time to find the most qualified horse in his stable for Fraser to gallop in front of the Racing Stewards in order for the ambitious teenager to be given an exercise licence. That’s when Quagmire, a six-year-old BC bred, was called upon and the duo passed the test together.
Jockey Fraser Aebly. photo Michael Bye.
Fast forward to this past Sunday, September 18, a day Fraser Aebly will remember for the rest of his life. He had two mounts, making his debut as an apprentice jockey aboard Bakfire Baby in the afternoon’s second race, finishing fifth in a seven-horse field.
The best was yet to come. With his parents in attendance along with another of his mentors in Hall of Fame trainer Frank Barroby plus a cheering section of friends, Aebly brought the Hastings crowd to its feet when he rode Lorie Henson, Helen Klimes and Sharon Pring’s Quagmire to an upset wire-to-wire victory in the nightcap.
Yes, the same Quagmire that Henson had chosen for young Fraser to ride in order for him to acquire his exercise licence. The traditional ice water initiation from his fellow jockey colony was part of an unforgettable day.
HORSEPOWER X HORSEPOWER on September 18, 2022
In support of VTEA (Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association)
Memorial race for Agnes McCorquodale - a fundraiser, promoter, volunteer leader and sidewalker for therapeutic riding sessions and went on to become an integral part of VTEA (Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association) leadership.
Morning Gallops Start Bailey’s Day. Photo Michael Bye.
A RAINBOW THAT CHANGED COLOURS TURNED INTO A DIFFERENT DREAM JOB
By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport
Every sports organization should be so lucky to have someone like Bailey Williams on its roster. With a willingness to take on any challenge with boundless energy, she would be an automatic number one draft choice.
Regular visitors to Hastings Racecourse have become accustomed to witnessing Bailey’s work habits whether it’s galloping horses in the morning, handicapping races for simulcast television or hosting interviews from the winner’s circle.
“I’m a third generation racetracker,” she says. “Both my granddads were stewards in Alberta and my father is a long-time trainer, first at Northlands Park and now Century Mile. My parents, Rod and Pam Heggie, gave me my first horse on my eighth birthday. It was my dream as a little girl to become a jockey.”
Sharing Selections for Simulcast Coverage. Photo Michael Bye.
That rainbow changed colours when Bailey appeared on national television in 2014 and 2015 as part of CTV’s network coverage of the Canadian Derby at Northlands Park. Her assignment - on horseback – was to cover the post parades and interview jockeys as they returned for the ceremonial victory celebrations. Hastings jumped on the same routine for BC Derby assignments.
While she ruled out a career as a jockey, she pursued galloping horses with the combination of her newly-found thrill of sharing her passion for horses in front of television cameras and contributing to social media outlets.
“I galloped four years for Greg Tracy at Northlands before moving to Vancouver in 2016 and working for the late Glen Todd,” Bailey says. “Mr. Todd hired me to start a role as paddock analyst during the pandemic and that led to my current role at BC Racebook as Event Co-ordinator.”
Bailey, who recently married popular jockey Scott Williams, is enjoying life to the fullest.
“I still have the privilege of galloping some of the most beautiful horses at Hastings,” she says. “Tara Neigel is my main barn and I gallop for Rob VanOverschot as well. One of my all-time favourite people to gallop for is Frank Barroby. I’ve been so very fortunate.”
Hastings Racecourse, BC Racebook and the racing industry in general is so very fortunate to have Bailey Williams as part of the family. She truly is a number draft pick.
2022 BC Derby Day Recap
REGAL RIOT (Efrain Hernandez), held by Josh McNeil, alongside trainer Rob Anderson, wears the victor’s garland after a pulsating victory in the 75th running of the BC Derby. photo Michael Bye.
The eighth race was the $125,000 BC Derby and in an exciting stretch duel Kim Peacock and Lance Giesbrecht's REGAL RIOT was all heart to outsprint AROLLERCOASTERRIDE to the wire to win in 1:50.73 under Efrain Hernandez for Rob Anderson. The son of champion mare Regal Red was content sit nestled under a snug hold just off of the flank of the leader then dropped his head when asked and out-gamed everyone for the victory.
Dana Todd and Family with the Glen Todd Memorial Race blanket — photo Patti Tubbs